A shocked Michael Jackson was mobbed by fans when he made a rare public appearance at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo.

The pop superstar appeared on the steps of the Hotel de Paris prior to the ceremony to wave to the crowds and was rushed at by hundreds of people, including several photographers, eager to get close to him.

One female fan flung her arms around his neck and refused to let go, forcing Jackson to hug her with one arm and hold his hat on with the other.

Take that: Jackson shows his delight at winning Millennium award

His security team eventually managed to usher the shaken singer back into the hotel, where he had spent the night.

Jackson was in Monaco to receive the award for Best Selling Male Pop Artist of the Millennium.

Security was stepped up at the Sporting Club, where he received a rapturous reception when he appeared on stage to collect the special award from Prince Albert of Monaco.

A beaming Jackson was apparently none the worse for his earlier scare.

He told the audience: "I'm incredibly honoured to have been chosen to receive this award. I'd like to
thank the World Music Awards and especially the fans.

"You are the reason why I continue to do what I do....I love you."

Jackson added: "I have been performing since I was five years old, so I haven't had what you would call an ordinary life."

The annual ceremony recognises the best-selling artists from around the world and the list of winners reads like a who's who of modern music.

Gotcha: Boyzone's Ronan Keating cradles his world award in Monaco

Boyzone's Ronan Keating picked up the award for the best-selling Irish recording artist and Jamiroquai's Jay Kay lifted the British equivalent.

Latino sensation Ricky Martin received his award for the best-selling male pop artist for 1999 from Pamela Anderson and there were also gongs for the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Lou Bega and Tina Arena.

Earlier in the year, Jackson dropped a bombshell when he revealed he may quit the music business soon.

The father-of-two said he was keen to branch into other areas and hinted that his forthcoming album - his first compilation of new material for more than five years - could be his last.